Join NLS Today!

Organization Overview:

NLS provides free legal services to low-income individuals and people with disabilities. Substantive practice areas include housing, public benefits, family, and disability law. An annual budget of over $15 million supports 100+ staff working primarily among five offices in Buffalo, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Batavia. NLS staff are supported by the Buffalo Office of Legal Service Workers (BOLSW) Union which covers the majority of staff including staff attorneys, staff paralegals, and support staff. Non-union staff include approximately 25+ management and administrative personnel. NLS receives a mix of Federal, State, local and foundation support as well as earned income through attorney’s fees and contributions.

Job Summary:

HR Director is responsible for overseeing the efficient operation of the Human Resources function. Working closely with the Executive Director and Director of Finance, this individual is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of employee records and reporting, assisting Management staff regarding personnel related matters and identifying opportunities to enhance the overall employee experience within the organization.

Human Resource Management
1. Identify, evaluate and assist in solving hiring challenges
2. Assist in recruiting top talent to Management positions
3. Mediating and resolving employee performance related issues and related disputes
4. Compiling compensation and benefit related information to assist Finance team
5. Conduct staff and management training
6. Oversee and maintain NLS employee related policies and procedures
7. Ensure compliance with all Federal and State regulations for all areas of HR including hiring and
reporting requirements.
8. Manage the annual open enrollment process including ADP portal, staff communications and
broker relationship
9. Work closely with BOLSW leadership to maintain a positive relationship with the Union
10. Establish and maintain training programs
11. Review and recommend process improvements and system enhancements

Human Resource Supervision
1. Oversee all Human Resources operations including recruiting, on and offboarding of staff, benefit
administration as well as staff and management training.
2. Supervise and manage the workflow of staff responsible for a variety of day-to-day HR related tasks.

Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resources with 7+ years of experience HR, preferably with 4+ years in a management role,
2. Labor law experience, J.D. or Labor Attorney preferred
3. Extensive supervisory/coaching experience
4. Union experience a plus
5. Commitment to best practices in human resource management, with a deep understanding of employee life cycle management
6. A successful track record setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
7. Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
8. Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment with diverse teams
9. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, empathy, and dedication to the mission of NLS

Salary and benefits
Annual salary is competitive and dependent on experience. Position in Buffalo Court Street office location. Thirty-five (35) hour work week with generous benefit package including holiday, leave time, health, dental, HRA and retirement benefits.

To Apply:

Please submit your confidential resume, including your salary requirements to [email protected]

NLS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender (including identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or protected veteran status and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

NLS VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM (VAP) offers attorneys a chance to volunteer their time and expertise.  No experience in the particular field is necessary and we will train you in the area you volunteer.

You can volunteer to assist with individual clients on an as-needed basis or with one of our Attorney of the Morning Programs (AMP). NLS staffs AMPs at Buffalo City Court (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and Niagara Falls City Court (dates vary) to assist low-income tenants facing eviction.

Volunteers must be attorneys licensed to practice law in New York State, and in good standing with the Office of Court Administration (OCA).   Volunteers must immediately notify NLS of any changes in their status. Attorneys who register with NLS and are in good standing with OCA are covered under the NLS malpractice insurance policy for the NLS cases they accept.

In order to participate with NLS, you agree to:

• Represent clients referred by NLS and in accordance with the New York State Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Respond to periodic requests for updates by NLS;
• Complete all required NLS forms;
• Notify NLS upon completion of a matter, including the amount of time spent and the tasks completed;
• Notify NLS of any changes to the attorney’s contact information or areas of interest.

If interested, please contact [email protected]

NLS accepts student volunteers throughout the year in our various offices and areas of practice.  Undergraduate students and law students are encouraged to apply.  NLS also participates in externship programs and pro bono scholarship programs (such as the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program at UB Law School).

REQUIREMENTS  NLS requires students to treat their internship/externship/volunteer opportunity like a job.  Students must be punctual, professionally dressed and reliable.  Students must act in a professional manner with staff, clients and court personnel.

STUDENT PRACTICE ORDERS  NLS generally applies for student practice orders for law students who have completed at least two (2) semesters of law school and are volunteering for a semester or the summer.  The student practice order allows the students to appear in court under the supervision of an NLS attorney.

50 HOUR PRO BONO REQUIREMENT  NLS accepts law student volunteers who wish to complete their fifty (50) hour pro bono requirement to be admitted in New York State.

If interested, please email [email protected]